Bike path proposed for Arlington Heights-Rolling Meadows border

Arlington Heights and Rolling Meadows could help pay for a half-mile bike path near the Arlington Downs development that would connect with existing bike paths in the area.

A federal grant Rolling Meadows secured in 2014 would cover $691,260 of project costs, including construction and design engineering, while each town would be on the hook for $95,759, under terms of a cost-sharing program.

Rolling Meadows city staff said the proposed bike path on the north side of Euclid Avenue, from Rohlwing Road to Salt Creek Lane, would be in the best interest of Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights and the Arlington Downs development.

Arlington Downs, a mixed-use project proposed to include apartment towers, restaurants and retailers, is on the north side of Euclid in Arlington Heights. So far, transformation of the former Sheraton hotel into a luxury apartment complex has been completed.

Rolling Meadows' city council voted 4-2 Tuesday to approve a cost-sharing agreement with Arlington Heights for the bike path.

Aldermen Mike Cannon and Brad Judd voted against the agreement, with both saying they aren't against the bike path itself but how much it will cost.

"Between this bike path and the other small one we did near the library - I think they're nice additions. I am for bike paths ... I am not against them," said Cannon, the 1st Ward alderman who is running for mayor this spring. "But when we spend (nearly) $1 million for less than a mile altogether, I am troubled by that. I think there could have been a better way to get this done at a lesser cost."

The Arlington Heights village board will vote on the cost-sharing agreement Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Under terms of the grant agreement, construction on the project must start no later than the fall or the federal money would no longer be available.

Officials say construction is on track to begin in October and be complete by July 2018.